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Provincial Entrepreneur Programs: 2026 Comparison
Compare Canada’s provincial entrepreneur streams in 2026: current status, net worth, investment, exploratory visit and work-permit-first rules, reviewed by a licensed RCIC.
Provincial entrepreneur streams are the main area to assess for business immigration to Canada in 2026, but their status varies sharply by province, they are not interchangeable, and they do not all behave the same way. The comparison below shows status clearly, because choosing a stream that is paused or closed wastes months.
Status varies by province: As of 2026, British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador are open through competitive or invitation-based selection, Nova Scotia is invitation only, Manitoba’s draws are not currently being conducted, Prince Edward Island has shown no business invitations in its 2026 draw data so far, New Brunswick has replaced its old Entrepreneurial Stream with the Business Immigration Stream, and Ontario’s Entrepreneur Stream is not accepting applications.
Want to know which province is active for your profile? Book a paid comparison session. Not sure where you stand? Start with the free assessment.
Book a ConsultationStart Your Free AssessmentTable of Contents
1. How provincial entrepreneur streams work2. Compare the streams3. What separates strong applications4. How MAK helps1. How provincial entrepreneur streams work
Almost every provincial entrepreneur stream shares the same shape. You submit an expression of interest, you may be invited to apply, and if approved you sign a business performance agreement and obtain a temporary work permit. You then move to the province, actively manage and establish your business, and only after meeting the agreed terms can you be considered for a provincial nomination, which you then use to apply to the federal government for permanent residence. The work permit stage is not permanent residence, and a nomination is not automatic even after you invest.
2. Compare the streams
Use the chart as a shortlist tool, then read the dedicated page for any stream that fits, because the chart shows thresholds and status while the stream page explains the full process, the exploratory visit rules, and the common officer concerns.
| Province | Stream | Current status (2026) | Net worth | Investment | Business experience | Exploratory visit | Work permit first? | Main risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Entrepreneur Immigration, Base | Open, small competitive draws | $600,000 | $200,000 | 3 yr owner-manager (last 10 yr) | Recommended | Yes | Competitive selection, not guaranteed |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | International Entrepreneur | Open, EOI/invitation-based | $600,000 | $200,000 (own 33.3%) or $1,000,000 equity | 2 yr owner / 5 yr senior | Required if outside NL | Yes | Discretionary nomination |
| Nova Scotia | Entrepreneur | Invitation-only / discretionary | $600,000 HRM / $400,000 outside | $150,000 HRM / $100,000 outside | 3 yr owner / 5 yr senior | Not required | Yes | Eligibility does not equal invitation |
| Manitoba | Entrepreneur Pathway (BIS) | EOI draws not currently being conducted | $500,000 | $250,000 Winnipeg / $150,000 outside | 3 yr in last 5 | Recommended | Yes | Draws suspended |
| Prince Edward Island | Work Permit Stream (Business) | No business invitations in 2026 draw data so far | $600,000 | $150,000 (within 12 mo of landing) | Management / ownership, points | Encouraged; interview mandatory | Yes | Effectively inactive for business |
| New Brunswick | Business Immigration Stream (NBBIS) | EOI-invitation (old Entrepreneurial Stream closed) | $500,000 ($300,000 farming) | $150,000 | 2 yr owner / senior in last 5 | Priority factor | Yes | Old stream figures are outdated |
| Ontario | Entrepreneur Stream | Not accepting applications / redesign | $800,000 GTA / $400,000 outside | $600,000 GTA / $200,000 outside / $200,000 ICT | 24 mo in last 60 | Required | Yes | Currently closed |
3. What separates strong applications
Two things consistently separate strong applications from weak ones. The first is a documented, legally sourced money trail, which several provinces now verify through designated accounting firms. The second is a realistic business concept for that specific province and market. Generic plans and unexplained funds are common reasons applications stall.
4. How MAK helps
We help match your profile to a stream that is actually active, and we prepare the funds and business documentation that the chosen province will scrutinize, with RCIC and CPA support.
More province and territory business streams
In addition to the streams compared above, these province and territory entrepreneur and business routes are currently active. Status varies, so check each page.
- BC Entrepreneur Immigration: Regional
- BC Entrepreneur Immigration: Strategic Projects
- Alberta Farm Stream (AAIP)
- Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (AAIP)
- Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (AAIP)
- Manitoba International Student Entrepreneur Pilot (ISEP)
- Manitoba Farm Investor Pathway (MPNP)
- Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur
- Newfoundland and Labrador International Graduate Entrepreneur
- Yukon Business Nominee Program (YBNP)
- Northwest Territories Business Stream (NTNP)
Provincial entrepreneur streams and the C11 work permit
Comparing provincial entrepreneur streams with C11? They are different tools. Provincial entrepreneur streams are province-led nomination pathways toward permanent residence. The C11 work permit is a temporary federal work permit for business owners, and is not, by itself, permanent residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Several provincial entrepreneur streams require an independent net-worth verification. For help preparing your source-of-funds documentation, see our detailed guide.
Comparing a provincial entrepreneur stream with the federal C11 work permit? See C11 vs PNP Entrepreneur.
Most provincial entrepreneur streams require a business plan or business concept that ties to your investment and performance commitments.
Which province is best for entrepreneur immigration?
It depends on your funds, experience and where you will live and operate. The best fit is a stream that is currently active and matches your profile, not simply the lowest threshold.
Do all provinces require a work permit first?
In most streams, yes. You typically operate on a temporary work permit before you can be considered for a nomination.
Are these thresholds the amounts I pay to immigrate?
No. They are minimum eligibility thresholds for net worth and business investment, not a fee and not a guarantee of nomination.
Why do some provinces show as suspended or invitation-only?
Provinces control their own intake and adjust it with federal allocations. Some are not holding draws and some invite only selectively.
Do you verify my net worth?
Several provinces require verification through designated accounting firms. Our CPA side helps you prepare for that.
- Business Immigration Consultant – Canada
Usman Khalil
CPA, RCIC | MAK Immigration
Work with a Chartered Professional Accountant + licensed RCIC for business immigration to Canada.
Usman Khalil helps entrepreneurs and investors with business immigration planning, provincial entrepreneur pathways, business plans, source-of-funds documentation, and compliance strategy.
Member CICC Membership # R709592
CPA – Chartered Professional Accountant (Ontario) Membership # C83028834
- Business Immigration Consultant – Canada
Usman Khalil
CPA, RCIC | MAK Immigration
Work with a Chartered Professional Accountant + licensed RCIC for business immigration to Canada.
Member CICC Membership # R709592
Chartered Professional Accountant Membership # C83028834
